But even more unexpected than approaching 100 rounds in a
calendar year were the letters and phone calls I received after my last story in the December
issue of Cigar Aficionado. In it, I listed my Top 25 golf courses that I have played, as well as
my Top 10 wish list—the courses that I would love to play.

The "unexpected" part was the
invitations from Cigar Aficionado readers wanting to play with me when I'm in their neighborhoods. Some of those invites came from people who are members of courses on my wish list.

I've started a
file so when I do travel to some of those areas, I can take advantage of the kind invitations.

Here are excerpts from some of the letters:

I just read your article, "Confessions of a Weekend Golfer," good reading. Anyway, you mentioned that Baltusrol Golf Club was on your wish
list. I am a member at Baltusrol and would be honored to play with you. —JD

It would be my privilege & pleasure to invite you down to Philadelphia to play the East course
at Merion Golf Club. —LC

I would like to invite you down to sunny Sarasota to play a round or two with me (and whoever
else you invite) on what we consider the finest course in Sarasota: The Founders Golf
Club. —IF

Please put Wannamoisett Country Club in Rumford, RI on your list. Wannamoisett is what Donald
Ross called "my best layout" and is consistently rated in the top 100 classic courses in the USA.
You are cordially invited to be my guest whenever you can make it. —TON

It all goes to show that we cigar guys (and golfers) really get what life is all about: having
fun and sharing.

My four rounds that week were among my most satisfying this year.

Four rounds on really tough
courses, the three on the Monterrey Peninsula and one in Las Vegas, Cascata, one of my personal
Top 10 courses in America.